Been gone for over 2 years!

So, it's been 2 years since I wrote in my blog.... I have been so busy that time has gotten away from me. As of right now I have 3 grandchildren and 1 on the way! I've lost and raised more chickens, my father in law passed away, I have been a tax preparer for 2 years and everything else in between. I'm not crating as much as I should be, but I did battle some depression during the time I was gone. I had a minor heart attack as well. So needless to say, I have been a slacker in the blogging department. I have missed this and hope to keep up on it more. I'm not going to promise everyday, but maybe once a week or so.

So that being said, I hope everyone is well, still being crafty and looking forward to the holidays :)
Take care and next time I'll post some new pics!

Made my first apron!

My friend Kathy (who is also a Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter member) came over my house a few days ago and taught me how to use a pattern to make my first apron! I finished it the next evening and I love it! It is so cute. Now, it's not perfect since this was my first try, but I am thrilled about it anyway! so here is a pic of my newest creation!

Popping in!

Just wanted to pop in and say that I am still here! It's been a very busy Spring and it will probably be a very busy Summer. All has been well and good the last few months. Things are beginning to look up. I received a good job offer and my hubby is happy at his new job. My daughter found an apartment and she is back out on her own with her family. School is ending soon for the little ones so there is tons of end of school year events going on :)

So, I will try to post more often (hopefully) to keep you all updated on my crazy life...lol  In the meantime, drop me a comment and I'll be checking out everyone else's blogs!

Time flies....

I know I only come on here once in a while.. I'm a bad blogger :(. The New Year has been a bumpy one so far and it's been a crazy ride with me and the family.

To make a long story short - my hubby lost his job ( he is now employed again) and my father-in-law passed away. We are still healing, but all will be ok.

I have, on a lighter note, reopened my Etsy shop, started doing some more crafting, and have turned vegetarian. I am trying to heal myself from all the stress a little at a time. So far, so good :) Keep me in your thoughts please!

I also have wonderful news! I have a second grandchild! My grandson Jaxson came into this world on November 16, 2011! He is my Little Bug and I love him to pieces! He makes me smile along with my grand daughter who is 5 now! They and their parents are all living here with me , my hubby, and our two youngest children :)

So, maybe 2012 will get better as we go along. I'm keeping my spirits up and moving forward with this crazy thing called life! Wish me luck!

Tribal Horse Designs is having a Giveaway!!!

Check it out....

Blog Giveaway Contest ..Christmas Necklace

BLog giveaway contest.....starts today and runs thru midnight Tuesday Nov 15th .
Prize is this xmas necklace .
Several ways to enter .The first way and is mandatory ...visit my Etsy Store HERE and then come back here to tell me what your fav item is and post the link to the item.
2) Recieve one entry for every comment you leave in a blog post ....leave posts in 20 posts..you get 20 entries
3) Repost about my giveaway on your blog or a forum and recieve 5 entries .You must come back here and post the link also.

Please go see all the great things she makes!

On My Way

Well, I have finally decided to take the leap and open an online store. I've been thinking about it for a while now, and it's time. The kids will be going back to school soon and I'll have plenty of time to get everything organized and cataloged! I am super excited about it :)

Things in the burbs have been crazy as always. My sister gave me an orphaned kitten... We named her Iris and when I got her she was about 3-4 weeks old. She had conjunctivitis in both eyes and was a little mess :( Well after 2 weeks of caring for her and a hefty vet bill, she is all better and ready for a forever home. I took her to my local SPCA today and they will find her a nice home. My cats did not like her and my female cat, Pika hissed and growled and then refused to eat. I had to make this decision even though it broke my heart to do so. I feel bad, but I also feel like I saved her life and she will get the start that she deserves :)

My daughter's pregnancy is going well and my little grandson is still in his mommy's tummy :) She just passed 23 weeks so I am happy for her!

My Father-in-law is doing much better as well. Things are good :)

Everything else going on is the same craziness with all the animals, kids, and being busy.

Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and give an update on things here in the burbs.... still hot humid, and downright yuck as far as the weather goes too. I can't wait for Fall! Hurry up September! lol

Take care everyone and I'll check in again soon (hopefully with my new website up and running!)

Happy Crafting!

Just a few completed projects to show you...

Two Plarn purses and a coffee can birdhouse :)

Monday, Monday

Ever have a few days where you just couldn't sleep? Well, that's me right now. I haven't had a good night's sleep in days... too many things running through my mind. I have so much to do. I want to start an online store to try to sell some of my antiques, I need to get my house decluttered, hubby and I are working on a station wagon to get it ready to drive, and the kids are on summer break!

Whew! I'm exhausted just typing about it...lol I really need to get a list going and just do one thing at a time. It seems like as soon as I start a project, someone needs me and it gets put on hold.... I know, I know - that's because I'm a mommy, and I have to do everything :) I just wish I could get some sleep at night so I wouldn't be so darned cranky all day :(

On a lighter note - my daughter is still going strong with her pregnancy. She is 18 weeks today and counting! YAY! I am still praying for that little grandson of mine to hang in there and wait a few more months (try 4), until he shows himself. Also, my youngest 2 children both received Honor Roll for the end of the school year! They make me and hubby proud! My Father-in Law is doing well with his chemo treatments and celebrated another Father's Day :) so all is not lost....

I hope everyone else had a good Father's Day with their hubbies, or dads :) I made a really nice steak dinner for my sweetheart and spent the day doing car repair with him while my mother-in-law had the kids at her house swimming. It was a good day and everyone was happy :)

Well, that's about it for now - I have some crochet projects in the works as well as some sewing to get done... more to add to the long list..lol I hope everyone has a wonderful day and I will be back soon with more stuff going on in the burbs..Haha.

Take care and Happy Crafting!

Lots going on...not all good.

Well, I've been MIA again and I'm so sorry :( Things on the old homestead have been crazy lately.

My father in law was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, and we have all been helping out with him and my mother in law. Then right after Mother's Day, a fox killed 3 of my hens. I was devastated. I would have bet money that my chicken run was safe.I would have lost :(

My second oldest daughter announced that she was pregnant...again. I have a beautiful 4 year old granddaughter by her and 2 grandsons who are up in heaven. This pregnancy is not going to be easy and since day 1 she has been going thru hell. It's been bed rest for the last 6 weeks and me being Grandmom x10 to my granddaughter. I don't mind at all, but it gets exhausting at times. I also have an 8 y/o and a 10 y/o to take care of. Can you say BUSY??

Hubby and I had to move the chicken coop and the run to the other side of the yard which took over a week - the pool needing cleaning and filling - all done now. There are other issues, but I won't get into those here.

Anyway, I have had time to make an Ipad case for myself (I won one from a local radio station - yay me!) I also have a few sewing projects in the works. My Spring cleaning has even started yet...ughh. I need to start that soon.

School ends here in a few days, so hopefully I can get some things done while the kids are in the pool... maybe I can even get them to help me (yeah right).

I'm trying to be positive about all of the things going on right now. My FIL is getting better with his chemo and meds, The chickens are safe now, and my grandson is still in his Mommy's belly!

I hope to have a much more positive post here soon. In the meantime, keep crafting and keep smiling - that's what I am trying to do! :)

Pic above is my new chicky babies!!

Wow...we are a fiesty bunch!

It seems like the whole Urban Homesteadeing revolution the past few days has brought many people together! This is awesome! It feels great to know that there are so many Urban Homesteaders out there blogging away with such an overwhelming passion!

Yep, we are fiesty! we are strong, passionate, intelligent, caring, and dedicated! We will stand firm in what we believe in!

As for today, I am still reading blogs and staying in because we got a nice dose of snow last night. My chickens are huddled under their coop and once in a while will venture into the snow, only to run back under there! lol I love those girls ♥

My children are home from school and they are listening to Queen's "We Will Rock You" ☺
I've heard it 5 times already...geesh, pick another song already! I keep checking outside to see if my new coffee can birdhouse is attracting any takers yet...haha. I don't think so, but it's still early. Hopefully we'll have a new bird family in there soon!

Tomorrow, I think I will go antiquing. Just to look (yeah right). I need a cabinet for my new bathroom downstairs and I'm looking for something to refinish. I can never just go out and buy something that's finished already. It's an addiction of mine - refinishing old things and making them new as well as making new things from old.

Well, I guess it's time for me to jump off of here - I have a craft room calling my name. sadly I need to dejunk it and say goodbye to some things (insert tears here). It will hurt, but I will be stronger for it!! Plus it makes room for new stuff... OOPS, did I type that?? HAHA

Take care everyone, keep on blogging and Happy Crafting...... ♥


*pics of my coffee can birdhouse! Notice the chickens??*

My Name is Tammy and I Am an Urban Homesteader.....

Now, I know that there are many of you out there that are asking, "What are you talking about?" Well let me clarify things.....

I live in the suburbs, I have a simple Cape Cod on an acre of land, I have the typical swimming pool, playset, and mini van. I also try to grow my own veggies, successfully raise chickens, have 2 dogs, 2 cats, and plan on getting 2 goats this Spring. I am an Urban Homesteader. My chickens provide me with fresh eggs everyday that my family and I enjoy. Not only that, I love raising them!

My skills are not that of a Farmer, but I enjoy the simple things in life - my family, my animals, the smell of our campfire burning on cool nights, picking a handful of stringbeans with my grandbaby, and watching birds nest in my homemade birdhouses!

Now, my reason for blogging today - and I will quote this from a Facebook group -
The Derveas family has recently trademarked the terms "Urban Homestead" and "Urban Homesteading."

Are they serious? How do you possibly trademark a term that is so diversified? Most of the women I talk to through blogs, Facebook, and Mary Janes Farm are Urban Homesteaders!(no TM here). We are the down to earth, simple life loving, keeping it real women (and men) who have a passion for growing veggies, raising livestock, and getting our hands dirty!!

My friend Tina from GardenGoose.blogspot.com told me about this today and I had to blog! It really struck a nerve in me when I began reading about this company trademarking this term. So, here I am proudly blogging about why I am an Urban Homesteader! I will alway be one because this is who I am! I DO NOT need a trademark. I DO NOT need anyones approval.

My family has been Urban Homesteading for generations. Self sustaining and proud. Raising livestock, growing gardens, making their own clothing, and the list goes on and on. That's something that I am proud of! I can remember my grandmother growing small gardens and sewing her own clothes even when she lived in a townhome in the county. She remained true to who she was and I will continue to do the same. I include my children in my journey with hopes that they will continue on with what I do........

Trademark??? I don't think so.

Happy Anniversary!

Today is my Anniversary. It is 9 years of being happily married to my best friend. We're going out this saturday to Toby's dinner Theater in Baltimore! Charlie made reservations last week for us to see the show Beehive. I can't wait! It'll be so nice to get away for a night. I've been cooped up in the house for what seems like ages. Between the weather, sick children and school being cancelled or off due to holidays, I am behind on my organizing, crafting, and me time!

Now don't get me wrong - I love having my kids around me, but when you have a 9 year old boy and 8 year old girl constantly arguing, it gets a little old. I need to play referee at least every other hour...ugh. It's so much better when they are in school, come home, and have their time occupied...lol I try to do crafts with them, play the wii, and watch movies, but sometimes you need to just throw the towel in and keep them in seperate rooms for a bit..lol

I have started a cute little scarf. I am making it with a filet cross in each section - getting a jump start on Easter, I guess. It's halfway finished, so I'll post a pic when I'm done. I'm thinking of doing a Valentine's one too if I have time with a heart in each section. Hmmmmmm...maybe.

My daughter wants me to get crafting so her and I can get a table this Spring at a Flea Market to sell our stuff. Her fiance is making bird houses, so we'll see. Maybe I can get a few more items made in time. I did make a few coffee can bird houses a week ago. My grandaughter helped me and they are sooooo cute!Let me see if I can get a pic on here soon :)

Well, I guess I should be a good wife and go get my Hubby an Anniversary card...lol
Take care everyone and Happy Crafting!!

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year! I hope it's everything you all wish for! I'm not making any extreme resolutions this year, just gonna try to get healthier this year. What about you? Any plans for 2011? Maybe a new diet, or trying to stick to that budget?

Anyway, I haven't been on for a long time so I thought I'd catch up with what's been going on in the burbs....

The past few holidays have been good. It's great to be with family and friends (but also great when they all go home..lol) Lots of good food, fun, and being sooo tired. I am ready to start the new year with a better ooutlook. Needless to say, 2010 was not a banner year....

To start off last year I lost my cat, Salem, to bone marrow cancer. Today is the one year anniversary of his death, so I thinking of him alot. I miss him dearly. Then in February, I lost my favorite hen, Annie right after our second blizzard. See? Told you 2010 was not a good year.

Then my hubby struggled to find a job while I busted my butt for chump change. I did quit the job and hubby found an awesome company to work for in November! The holidays were crazy with shopping, waiting for items in the mail and the rudeness of many Christmas shoppers. I vow to start in September this year!!!

So, here's to a terrific 2011! Keeping my fingers crossed that it is better than 2010.

Oh - one more thing... I resolve to do more crafting this year now that I am home and to update my blog at least once a week!

Take care and Happy Crafting!!

Tribal Horse Designs new contest!!

Lisa, over at Tribal Horse Designs is giving away some pretty awesome jewelry! Just go to her Etsy store - http://www.shadowsofthegoddess.etsy.com , then go back to her blog ( http://www.tribalhorsedesigns.com/) and leave her a comment about an item in her store.. for each item you go back and leave a comment about you get 1 entry.
2) grab a cup of tea and take the time to read thru her blog........for every comment you leave in a post..you receive one entry.
3) Blog about it on your blog..website....a forum you belong to...go back to her blog and leave her the link to the post about it. You will receive 5 entries for this
THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE AMOUNT OF ENTRIES YOU CAN HAVE. Lisa's goal is to do 2 things... traffic to her Etsy store and comments on her blog to raise it in the search engine results. You make a 100 comments ..you get a 100 entries...simple as that :)

Lisa makes AMAZING altered art jewelry as well as vintage art pieces. I have a few of her pieces and always get such nice comments about them!

So what are u waiting for??? Go check out her site!

Waiting for Fall.

I am really over this whole Summer thing. It's been way too hot here in MD and the humidity is making it worse. Not a whole lot getting done around here as far as the yard since it's so blistering hot. I did, however, get 4 more chicks and right now they are in their brooder growing like weeds!Not sure how my bigger hens will respond to them when they go outside soon - so I'm crossing my fingers that all will be well.
I haven't even had much time for crafting either. I've been working crazy hours and start working full time in a few weeks. Hubby is unemployed right now so I need to get out there and make that money!
Anyway, just wanted to stop in a let everyone know that I was still here and missing all my crafting buddies!Take care and Happy Crafting!

Summer in the burbs

Wow - it's been one crazy summer here. Between work, family, and the animals..I've been busy. It's been way too hot for Maryland this year and I'm seriously considering moving to a higher elevation in the mountains...lol
I've missed being on here posting and I need to get back in the swing of things. The kids have one month of summer vacation left and the heat is making it hard to enjoy. I can not wait until Fall.
I did go out and get 4 more chickens and they are soooo cute. I got 2 Welsummers, a Buff Orpington, and a Cute little Silkie! They are in my room in their brooder now, peeping and playing. I just love baby chicks :)
This summer my hubby and I decided it was time to expand our backyard, so it's been a slow, hot process. We're making headway though and by the Spring of next year - we should have a HUGE yard for the kids and animals! I am definitely getting a hammock to relax in. That will be my gift to myself for all the hard work :)
Anyway, I'm off to make dinner, but I'll try to keep up with my blog. No promises since summer is always hectic for me, but I'll do my best!

Back again......

I was sitting here thinking about my blog today and what to say. It's been months since I've been on here and I feel everyone deserves to know why.
In late September, my cat Salem became very ill. For over 3 months, my husband and I took care of him, gave him meds, ran to the vet numerous times, and cried a lot. Salem finally left us on January 3rd 2010. He had bone marrow cancer and we just could not let him suffer anymore. He was the best cat I ever had and he will be missed terribly.
I have also been working day and night shifts at my catering job. The holidays took up alot of my time too. My van has been giving me a fit lately and as of today, it is getting repaired again :(
So, I've had my share of heartache and frustration these past 3 or 4 months. I apologize for not being on here.
Now, some good news. I adopted another kitty at the local shelter and she is so beautiful. She could never replace Salem, but Pika is a joy to be with and so lovable.
I have also been getting back to my crocheting and tote bag making. It keeps my mind off of things and relaxes me :)

So, I am going to post a few pics here and I hope to be back on here soon to give you more amazing thoughts from your suburban farmgirl...lol

This is Pika..my new kitty :)


Casey (my puggle) and Gunner (my german shorthaired pointer) :)


Salem (RIP my baby, you are loved and missed)

Welcoming Fall a little early :)

This past week has been a relief from all the hot weather here in MD. I am so ready to welcome Fall. The pumpkin farm, the changing of the leaves on the trees, the smell of pumpkin and pecan pies in the over. I can't wait to start decorating for Halloween and Thanksgiving here at home. My chidren can actually go out and jump in the leaves soon while I enjoy my coffee on the porch. I love Fall and the crisp nights and breezy days :) Geez, I sound like a corny old magazine, don't I? lol

I am so tired of the mosuitoes and flies, cleaning the pool, and sweating! I want to put on a jacket and take a walk or just be lazy on the back deck. I also can't wait to start crocheting again. I've been so busy with birthdays and work that I haven't gotten anything done! That will be changing soon, believe me. I have some ideas for my crochet stash that I want to get started on soon.

I also want to get baking again. I know alot of my MJF friends are great bakers and crafters. So, if you have any great pie recipes of patterns that you want to share - please let me know!

I am going to be sorting through my stash soon so I'm hoping to have a giveaway or some things to barter. I'll keep everyone posted.

That's it for now. I hope everryone os enjoying some nice, cool weather and are welcoming Fall like I am.

Take care and Happy Crafting!!

Birthday, birthdays, and more birthdays....

This past month and next week are filled with so many birthdays around here! We had a party for my grand daughter last weekend, next weekend will be a party for my oldest sone (he'll be 18) and my oldest daughter (she'll be 25). Not to mention my dad's birthday last month, my neice, and my boss. Whew! That's alot of birthday cards...lol

I have been so busy with work that I barely have time to get on here. I wanted to stop in and let everyone know that I am still around :) My hubby got laid off a few months ago and I had to take on more hours at work. He's back to work now, but I'm still working evenings and a few hours during the day.

The last two days here have been beautiful! The weather has been perfect and Fall is in the air!! I can't wait to see the leaves change and put out my Fall decorations. Halloween is right aroound the corner!

So, if I seem MIA for a while in between posts, I'm just busy. I'll try to get on here and post a few words as often as I can.

Oh, by the way...check out the cake that I made for my grand daughter's 3rd birthday!! Maybe I should have my own Food Network show?? No, I'm just kidding...lol

Take care and Happy Crafting everyone!!

Been so busy....

Sorry I haven't been on here in a while. I have been so busy with everything! I've been working, gadening, taking care of my chicken(which by the way are growing so fast!), dealing with a killer toothache, having the tooth pulled - OUCH!, and went to my daughter's first show with her new band last night. Whew! Told ya I've been busy :)

I've really missed blogging on here. It seems like time has gotten away from me. I did manage to crochet a shawl for my youngest daughter. It is so cute and totally pink..lol She loves it!

So that is where I am right now. Oh, I've also been redoing the front bedroom of my house to turn it into a nice little "romantic" bedroom for me and the hubby. We definitely need more us time and our new bedroom will be so comfy and cozy when we are done. I can't wait to move in and relax! We're upstairs next door to the kids now, so no privacy at all :( This will be a big change for us.

So, with all that said. I will try to get back on here as soon as I can to keep you all updated on happenings here in the burbs. Now, it's off to bed because I have to work in - well - 8 hours!

Nite everyone!

Gonna be a LONG summer.....

Well, the rain doesn't seem to want to stop this month...Ughhh. Everyday it rains and that is definitely not normal for Maryland. I'm tired of driving in it,waking up to it, and seeing it fall altogether. I know, it could be worse, but here in MD - we're not used to it..lol

On a lighter note, I got the chickens outside. They are 8 weeks old today and with the exception of one of the hens trying to peck the others (I'm winning the battle on this!)everything else is good. They love their new home and my home is chicken free! I'll post some pics later of them - they are too cute!

The kids are out of school and it's gonna be a long summer. They get bored, cranky, and the rain doesn't help. Oh well, time to get creative.

I still haven't crafted anything in quite a while. I'm gonna get back to it soon, now that the chicks are in their new home. I found some cool crochet projects to tackle :)

Anyway, Ijust wanted to stop in and let everyone know that I am still around. Have a great week and stay dry!!

Take care and Happy Crafting!!